One Song

Doja Cat Paint The Town Red With Laci Mosley

September 25, 2025

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  • Doja Cat's "Paint the Town Red" masterfully samples Dionne Warwick's "Walk On By," creating a dialogue between 1964 and the present day that highlights the enduring power of music across generations. 
  • The episode emphasizes Doja Cat's evolution from a viral internet sensation to a respected artist, showcasing her genre-bending artistry and her deliberate use of internet culture and performance art as integral parts of her persona. 
  • The discussion reveals the complex history of sampling in music, illustrating how producers like Earl on the Beat creatively recontextualize classic tracks, while also touching upon the often-unequal financial benefits for original artists and songwriters. 
  • The discussion highlights the complex and often fraught relationship between artists and their fanbases, particularly in the digital age, where parasocial interactions can lead to feelings of entitlement and impact an artist's creative freedom and personal well-being. 
  • The podcast delves into the significant impact of an artist's personal politics and public statements on their reception and the potential consequences of their words, drawing parallels to historical instances where art has influenced real-world actions and perceptions. 

Segments

Doja Cat’s Internet Origins
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Doja Cat’s career trajectory is deeply rooted in her early internet presence, evolving from viral videos to a global superstar.
  • Summary: Doja Cat’s rise to fame began with her online presence, creating videos and music that resonated with a digital audience. This foundation allowed her to transition from a viral star to a mainstream artist, demonstrating the power of internet culture in shaping modern music careers.
Scarlett Album Analysis
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(00:10:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Doja Cat’s album ‘Scarlett’ represents a creative zenith, showcasing her genre-bending skills and solidifying her as a serious rapper.
  • Summary: ‘Scarlett’ is highlighted as a pivotal work in Doja Cat’s discography, demonstrating a strong emphasis on rapping and a departure from her previous pop-focused sound. Critics and listeners widely regard it as her best work, a testament to her artistic growth and lyrical prowess.
Moo’s Viral Impact
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(00:15:41)
  • Key Takeaway: The song ‘Moo’ (Bitch I’m a Cow) was a viral phenomenon that, despite its playful nature, showcased Doja Cat’s unique internet-savvy artistry.
  • Summary: The song ‘Moo’ became a significant viral hit, initially perceived by some as a novelty but ultimately demonstrating Doja Cat’s ability to connect with audiences through unconventional and meme-able content. Its creation on a livestream further emphasized her direct engagement with her fanbase and the internet.
Walk On By Sample Deep Dive
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(00:30:41)
  • Key Takeaway: The sample of Dionne Warwick’s ‘Walk On By’ in ‘Paint the Town Red’ is a sophisticated artistic choice that bridges musical eras and adds thematic depth.
  • Summary: The use of Dionne Warwick’s 1964 hit ‘Walk On By’ in ‘Paint the Town Red’ creates a compelling dialogue between past and present, with Doja Cat’s lyrics echoing the sentiment of the original. This sampling choice highlights the enduring resonance of classic music and its ability to inform contemporary artistic expression.
Bacharach & David’s Legacy
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(00:33:09)
  • Key Takeaway: Bert Bacharach and Hal David were prolific songwriters whose collaboration with Dionne Warwick produced numerous iconic hits, including ‘Walk On By’.
  • Summary: The songwriting duo Bert Bacharach and Hal David, who met at the Brill Building, were instrumental in shaping 1960s music through their partnership with Dionne Warwick. Their extensive catalog includes timeless songs like ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’ and ‘I Say a Little Prayer,’ demonstrating their significant impact on American music history.
Sampling as Art Form
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(00:37:09)
  • Key Takeaway: Sampling, when done artfully, involves creative reinterpretation and enhancement, adding new layers of meaning and sonic texture to existing music.
  • Summary: The episode illustrates how sampling is an art form, with producers like Earl on the Beat adding subtle variations, melodic elements, and modern instrumentation to classic samples. This process transforms the original material, creating a fresh yet familiar sound that honors the source while forging a new artistic identity.
Scam Goddess Podcast
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(00:26:35)
  • Key Takeaway: Laci Mosley’s ‘Scam Goddess’ podcast uses comedy to explore scams and true crime, serving as both entertainment and a public service.
  • Summary: ‘Scam Goddess’ is a comedy podcast where Laci Mosley discusses scams, hoodwinks, and true crime with a humorous yet informative approach. The show aims to entertain listeners while also educating them about potential scams, acting as a valuable resource for awareness and prevention.
Vocal Hooks and References
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(00:51:03)
  • Key Takeaway: Doja Cat’s vocalizations and lyrics in ‘Paint the Town Red’ serve as direct references to public controversies and personal statements, transforming them into integral hooks within the song.
  • Summary: The ‘ughs’ in Doja Cat’s song are identified as a significant vocal hook, drawing listeners in. Specific lyrical lines, such as ‘Ain’t no sighting I can’t smoke here’ and ‘Bitch, I look better with no hair,’ are direct callbacks to public events like the Met Gala and criticisms of her appearance, effectively integrating controversy into the song’s structure.
Sampling and Musical Dialogue
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(00:51:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Doja Cat’s ‘Paint the Town Red’ engages in a musical dialogue with its sample, a technique that echoes historical hip-hop practices and Jamaican sound system culture.
  • Summary: The song’s success is partly attributed to Doja Cat ‘duetting’ with the sample, a practice that has a long history in music. This technique is compared to earlier hip-hop songs that directly incorporated vocalists or samples, and its origins are traced back to Jamaican sound systems and early recorded rap where artists spoke over existing tracks.
Song’s Longevity and Impact
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(00:53:51)
  • Key Takeaway: The song ‘Paint the Town Red’ is predicted to be a lasting classic due to its musicality, fun nature, and its foundation in a timeless sample, while also acknowledging the journey of its source material.
  • Summary: The song is expected to stand the test of time due to its strong musical technicality and enjoyable quality. Its reliance on a sample from the 1960s, which has already proven its enduring appeal, further solidifies its potential for longevity. The discussion also touches upon the historical significance of the original ‘Walk On By’ by Dionne Warwick and its iconic Isaac Hayes rendition.
Artist-Fan Relationship Dynamics
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(00:54:29)
  • Key Takeaway: Doja Cat’s assertive communication with her fanbase, particularly regarding their self-given moniker ‘kittens,’ reflects a broader tension between artist autonomy and fan expectations in parasocial relationships.
  • Summary: The phrase ‘I said what I said’ is seen as a direct address to fans, highlighting Doja Cat’s stance on her creative choices. The conversation explores how artists engaging with fans in a parasocial manner can lead to fans feeling entitled to the artist’s life, art, and persona, creating a delicate balance that artists must navigate.
Doxxing and Online Harassment
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(00:56:14)
  • Key Takeaway: The experience of being doxxed and facing online harassment, as recounted by Laci Mosley, illustrates the severe personal risks associated with a strong online fan presence.
  • Summary: Laci Mosley shares a personal account of being doxxed during her time on ‘iCarly,’ with her address and phone number leaked, leading to disturbing calls. This harassment was racially motivated, highlighting the dangers of online fan culture when it turns toxic and targets individuals based on their identity.
Artist’s Identity and Responsibility
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(00:59:16)
  • Key Takeaway: The podcast questions the extent to which an artist’s personal politics and identity, particularly concerning race and controversial associations, matter to their audience and their artistic output.
  • Summary: The discussion addresses Doja Cat’s perceived flirtations with the alt-right and her use of the n-word, prompting a debate on whether her mixed heritage grants her the right to identify as she chooses. It emphasizes that while artists are entitled to self-identification, a large platform comes with a responsibility to consider the impact of their words and actions on the world.
Artistic Autonomy and Evolution
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(01:03:18)
  • Key Takeaway: Doja Cat’s continued artistic evolution and willingness to embrace ‘weirdness’ are celebrated as vital for maintaining creativity and resisting the pressures of the commercial music industry.
  • Summary: The hosts express a desire for Doja Cat to continue pursuing her artistic vision without being constrained by fan expectations or industry demands. Her ability to remain authentic and ‘weird’ is seen as a crucial element in preserving her creative spark and resisting the commodification of art.
Musical Influences and Samples
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(01:05:05)
  • Key Takeaway: The sample of Dionne Warwick’s ‘Walk On By’ has been a significant source for hip-hop artists, demonstrating its enduring appeal and versatility across genres.
  • Summary: The podcast highlights that Doja Cat’s ‘Paint the Town Red’ is not the first hip-hop song to sample Dionne Warwick’s vocals. Slick Rick’s 1988 track ‘Mona Lisa’ and The Notorious B.I.G.’s 1994 song are cited as earlier examples, showcasing the sample’s widespread influence and its transformation in different musical contexts.
Trumpet Players on ‘Walk On By’
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(01:05:43)
  • Key Takeaway: The iconic trumpet solos on Dionne Warwick’s ‘Walk On By’ were performed by Erwin Markowitz and Ernie Royal.
  • Summary: The prominent trumpet parts in the original ‘Walk On By’ are attributed to two musicians: Erwin Markowitz, also known as Marky Markowitz, and Ernie Royal. Their contributions are recognized for adding a significant layer to the classic song.
Isaac Hayes’ Transformative Cover
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(01:06:39)
  • Key Takeaway: Isaac Hayes’ 1969 cover of Dionne Warwick’s ‘Walk On By’ is a radical reimagining that transforms the song into a 12-minute epic, becoming a significant sample source itself.
  • Summary: Isaac Hayes’ rendition of ‘Walk On By’ is presented as a completely different musical piece from the original, extending to 12 minutes and drastically altering its instrumentation and feel. This transformed version has been sampled in over 122 songs, including notable tracks by The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur.
Robert Glasper’s ‘Black Radio’
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(01:08:45)
  • Key Takeaway: Robert Glasper’s ‘Black Radio’ exemplifies a successful fusion of jazz and hip-hop, featuring compelling MCing, sophisticated instrumentation, and a notable focus on deep bass frequencies.
  • Summary: The song ‘Black Radio’ by Robert Glasper, featuring Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), is highlighted for its seamless blend of jazz and hip-hop. Listeners can expect strong lyrical performances, intricate musical arrangements, and a distinct emphasis on the sub-bass frequencies, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.